Lyrics Depot is your source of lyrics to I Miss America by Harry Chapin. Please check back for more Harry Chapin lyrics.

I Miss America Lyrics

Artist: Harry Chapin
Album: Sequel

By the time I was thirteenI started taking shape.At eighteen I was so beautifulThat the strangers started to gape.They said "Enter the ultimate contestIf you're as gorgeous as you seem."They said "Please, please, pleaseBe our American dream."But late that night beneath the grieving moonThere's a dazzling sight in my motel roomFor a grunting judge with his bulging eyesI give my all for his cherished prize.

Oh why, oh why?I'm Miss AmericaCrying on TVSilver clad in satin rags,But everything's where it should beOh say can you see, ah say can you see.

After they showed me the game ballThey told me put on weight.They told me I'd be powerfulThey told me I'd be great.And my Uncle Sam he would coach meHis helmet on my headAnd they said "Please, please please, pleasePlease win and beat the spread."But the new game plan that the owners had madeMeant that win or lose there would be a trade.For the team's become a real gold mineAnd the kid's sold off for the bottom line.

Oh why, oh why?Mr. AmericaSweating on TVThe winner's joy from the battered boyFor everything's where it should beOh say can you see, ah say can you see.

At last we've come togetherCall it marriage or civil war.If it brings us to battle, babeIt must be worth our fighting for.Though today came up cloudyThere will be other days."Ah, please, please, please, pleaseWhat else is there to say?"But in plywood spreadBy a plastic streamAnd in separate beds with a borrowed dreamAnd with questions wide and the silence deepWe take two pills so at last we'll sleep.

Oh why, oh why?Mr. and Mrs. AmericaOur story's on TVCan you hear canned laughterFor everything's where it should beOh say can you see, ah say can you see.

Well, my little boy he told me somethingJust the other night.He whispered it as I kissed himBefore I turned out the light.And of course he said it simpleAs only children canHe said "Daddy, daddy, daddy, pleaseI'm ready to dream again."